Bhubaneswar, Jan 27: The sacred caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri have reverberated with the chants of saints as the renowned Khandagiri Kumbh Mela commenced on Monday. The nine-day religious congregation will conclude on Magha Purnima with the final oblation of the yajna.

This year’s mela has drawn attention with the presence of a saint whose life took a dramatic turn following a personal setback. Associated with the Shri Panchayati Niranjan Akhada, the ascetic was once employed with the Indian Railways. According to sources, he was in love and intended to marry, but due to family opposition and societal pressure, the marriage could not take place.

The experience is said to have profoundly impacted his life, prompting him to renounce worldly attachments and embrace the path of asceticism.